Metro-North on-time reaches six-year high, implements PTC

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Print

NEW YORK – Metro-North Railroad’s on-time performance increased 4.3 percent in 2019, rising to 94.4 percent, the highest performance in six years.

In addition, the railroad has made significant advances toward completing its implementation of the Positive Train Control (PTC) safety system.

Last year Metro-North activated PTC to cover the Hudson Line from Marble Hill to Poughkeepsie, the Harlem Line from Southeast to Wassaic, and the entire Danbury Branch in Connecticut.

As of now, 41 percent of Metro-North trains operate daily in full PTC mode. The railroad is on pace to meet full implementation by December 2020.

In 2019, the railroad recorded 55 percent fewer train cancellations, 41 percent fewer trains delayed more than 15 minutes, and 63 percent fewer trains operating with less than their normal complement of cars.

Trains traveled 64 percent more miles before experiencing any type of mechanical malfunction and causing a delay.

“We are very pleased to report significant and improved train performance, while continuing to improve safety for employees and customers,” said Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi. “This year we improved our on-time performance for 13 consecutive months while operating more service than the prior year. She credited the “dedication and commitment of our workforce who rise to the challenge every single day.”

Under the Metro-North Way Ahead Plan, which was implemented in October 2018, the railroad has concentrated resources on enhancing safety, service, infrastructure, and customer communication.

In 2019, the railroad installed more than 50,000 new cross ties, 28 new switches and over eight miles of new continuously welded rail, surfaced almost 111 miles of track and replaced five railroad grade crossing.

Metro-North cut in a new cab signal system at all Port Jervis Line interlocking, renewed the components of the Cos Cob moveable bridge, reduced the number of switch failures by 67 percent, replaced 20 substation roofs, installed 1,800 feet of fencing along the tracks, and removed 90 tons of debris and garbage from the tracks.




Popular Stories